10 best baby shower gels
For most toddlers, bath time is a fun and exciting experience that they look forward to. We have selected the 10 best baby gels with a composition that will not damage the delicate skin of the child.

When we become parents, many responsibilities immediately arise: from choosing the softest clothes to gentle skin care products for a child’s body.

There is always a set of products for children on the market, but how to choose the best quality? The composition may contain chemicals: surfactants, phthalates, sulfates – which can irritate or even harm the skin. Experts also recommend the use of neutral or slightly acidic pH detergents that contain emollients and protective factors when bathing babies (1).

We always want the best for our children, which is why we’ve researched a lot of products and listened to expert advice to find the best baby shower gels. 

Rating of the top 10 best baby shower gels according to KP

1. Atopic bath gel

The product is intended for safe and gentle cleansing of sensitive and dry skin of the child’s body from birth. The “no tears” formula is great for bathing and washing. Recommended for use in children from the 1st month of life in order to maximize protection and reduce atopic manifestations of children’s skin.

Main characteristics

Minimum age1 месяц
Skin type dry, sensitive
Featureshypoallergenic, does not sting the eyes
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates, fragrances
Effectcleansing, anti-inflammatory action

Advantages and disadvantages

Does not dry the skin, preserves the protective function of the epidermis, suitable for daily care, contains panthenol.
Rarely found on store shelves.
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2. Natura Siberica Little baby gel 

Gel based on organic Siberian hydrolate and white mallow extracts gently cleanses and maintains the natural microflora of babies, thanks to the content of a large number of trace elements, vitamins A and E. Suitable for everyday use. This product is certified by Cosmos Organic (International standard for natural and organic cosmetics, developed by the five main European certifying groups).

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type dry, sensitive
Featureshypoallergenic, does not sting the eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates
Effectcleansing, anti-inflammatory action

Advantages and disadvantages

Economical consumption, good eco-friendly composition, pleasant aroma, easy to rinse off.
The dispenser often breaks.
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3. Weleda shampoo-gel for hair and body Kids

Weleda Kids Body Wash contains mild botanical ingredients. Organic sesame oil preserves the skin’s natural moisture balance.

It is best to use from three years – for the more delicate skin of a newborn baby, it is better to choose a more gentle remedy. The gel does not sting the eyes, does not contain harmful dyes, parabens and sulfates.

Main characteristics

Minimum age3 years
Skin type normal
Featuresdoes not sting eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates
EffectCleansing

Advantages and disadvantages

Suitable for hypersensitive skin, 100% natural ingredients, can be used as a shampoo.
On sale only a small amount, a pungent smell.
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4. Levrana 

Soothing shower gel 2 in 1 suitable for newborns and older children. Cleanses and protects baby’s delicate skin from dryness. Clinically tested and free of synthetic colors, flavors and preservatives. Can also be used for children with sensitive skin. The natural composition will please parents who do not accept chemistry in children’s products. Of the minuses, buyers note an excessively liquid consistency, due to which the product is spent uneconomically.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type sensitive
Featuresanti-inflammatory, does not sting the eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates
Effectcleansing, moisturizing

Advantages and disadvantages

100% composition of natural ingredients, quickly washed off, pleasant smell.
The gel is not economical to use due to the fact that the consistency is too liquid.
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5. Sanosan 

The shower gel is ideal for gentle cleansing of baby’s delicate skin. Contains 93% ingredients of natural origin. One of them is milk protein. It forms a protective layer on the skin, thereby reducing significant moisture loss.

The tool is suitable for newborns from birth and older children. The gel is hypoallergenic, in addition, it does not cause irritation if it accidentally gets into the eyes of a child when bathing.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type dry, normal
Featureshypoallergenic, does not sting the eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates, mineral oils
Effectcleansing, moisturizing

Advantages and disadvantages

Soft smell, foams well, large volume, convenient dispenser. 
Leaves a feeling of a film, it is poorly washed off.
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6. Linea Bimbi hair and body gel

Baby gel is suitable for washing sensitive skin of the face, body and hair. The basis is sweet almond protein and chamomile and calendula extracts, as well as vegetable extracts derived from sugar cane, beetroot, wheat and coconut palm oil.

The gel can also be used as a shampoo – the formula of the product is also suitable for the hair of a child. The versatility and quality composition of the product is a little overshadowed by the price – quite high in the segment of children’s shower gels.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type normal
Featureshypoallergenic, does not sting the eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates
EffectCleansing

Advantages and disadvantages

2 in 1 shampoo and gel, very pleasant smell, good composition.
High price.
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7. Mild By Nature baby shower gel

The shower gel is suitable for daily cleansing of baby’s skin. Provides gentle care and helps to restore the balance of microflora on the surface of the skin. Has a balanced pH level.

Of the minuses – buyers in their reviews note that the product does not foam well: because of this, the product is spent uneconomically, it can be difficult to wash thick hair.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type dry, normal
Featuresdoes not sting eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates
Effectcleansing, moisturizing

Advantages and disadvantages

Economical consumption, pleasant texture, pleasant smell of peach, respect for hair and skin.
Insufficiently intense foaming, which makes it difficult to rinse very thick hair.
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8. Dr. Tuttelle 

Baby Bath Gel is specially designed for cleansing and moisturizing, it can be used in daily bathing. The balanced formula with mallow extract and panthenol helps soothe and relax baby’s irritated skin.

The product foams perfectly, does not contain fragrances, does not cause allergies and irritation – it can be used even by babies with sensitive skin. The composition does not contain harmful dyes, parabens and sulfates.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type sensitive
Featuresdoes not sting eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens, sulfates
EffectCleansing

Advantages and disadvantages

Does not cause peeling, irritation, allergies. Foams well. Without smell.
Small volume.
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9. Soft bathing gel “Our Mom”

Gentle, fragrance-free cream with carefully selected, safe, all-natural ingredients soothes and regenerates the skin, relieves dryness and irritation. 

Domestic remedy has a nice price. In the composition – D-panthenol, silver ions, extracts of calendula and string. The gel does not contain soap, which can dry out baby’s skin and disturb its natural pH.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type normal
Featureshypoallergenic, does not sting the eyes 
Does not contain dyes, soap
Effectcleansing, anti-inflammatory action

Advantages and disadvantages

It contains only natural ingredients, it foams well.
Inconvenient packaging, not everyone likes the herbal aroma.
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10. Mustela Baby 

Gentle foaming cleansing gel for body and hair, ideal for daily use from birth. Thoroughly cleanses, protecting the skin of the body and head of the child. Avocado oil is a natural ingredient: moisturizes and preserves cellular richness. Also contains vitamin B5 to soothe dry skin.

Main characteristics

Minimum agesince birth
Skin type normal
Featureshypoallergenic, does not sting the eyes 
Does not contain dyes, parabens
EffectCleansing

Advantages and disadvantages

Protects the hydrolipidic film of the skin (balanced pH, does not contain soap), does not cause allergies and irritation.
Strong smell.
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How to choose baby shower gel

Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a product.

Free of fragrances and dyes

Give preference to products without fragrances and dyes, in some cases they can cause percutaneous sensitization (increased sensitivity of the body to irritants, causing an allergic reaction). 

Gel must be clinically tested 

If your child is prone to allergies, make sure every bath product you buy is dermatologically tested. For example, some shampoos have CAPB (cocamidopropyl betaine) foaming agent, which can cause an allergic reaction or eye irritation.

The gel has many positive reviews.

Children’s goods is an area in which it is better not to take risks. The surest way is to ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. And if you’re shopping for a shower gel online, read as many genuine customer reviews as you can. 

Gels enriched with vitamins

There are vitamin E, D and A based gels on the market today. They provide extra nourishment for the skin. 

Such detergents can be found in the lines of pharmacy dermatocosmetics.

Popular questions and answers

Our expert answers questions about baby shower gels – dermatologist Alexandra Kirillova.

Are parabens and sulfates in baby shower gels dangerous?

Parabens are used in cosmetics, including shower gels, as preservatives that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and prevent the product from spoiling prematurely.

Numerous studies have confirmed not only the safety of parabens, but also their low allergenic potential. 

And unfounded public opinion about the dangers of parabens has led to their replacement in many products with preservatives that have a much higher allergenicity.

Sulfate in detergents, they act as surfactants (surfactants) that saponify sebum fats and effectively cleanse the skin of grease and dirt.

They are not evil, they are an indispensable component of all shampoos, shower gels, soaps. 

However, they can differ in their saponifying ability and, accordingly, the degree of aggression.

For bathing a child, it is better to choose non-alkaline products with a neutral pH, a minimum concentration of surfactants and without the most aggressive of them. 

For example, among the most commonly used surfactants, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), the latter being less aggressive than the former and less likely to dry out the skin, it is even used in children’s cosmetics.

And Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is inexpensive, creates a thick foam, cleans well, but is quite aggressive and can cause skin irritation more likely than the previous ones.

How many times a week should you wash your baby?

It is better to wash the child with a cleanser no more than 1-2 times a week, the rest of the times it is enough to wash only with water, without a cleanser.

Can I wash my baby with adult shower gel?

It is possible if the adult gel has a neutral pH, does not contain too bright fragrances and does not overdry the skin of the child. I would not recommend washing a baby prone to xerosis (dry skin) and atopic dermatitis with an adult shower gel.

What is the difference between shower gel and shampoo?

Their compositions are very similar, but the shampoo usually contains a higher concentration of surfactants needed to saponify the scalp oils.

Also, shampoos may contain additional active ingredients, for example, antifungal agents to influence the problem of dandruff or stimulate hair growth. 

Sources of

  1. medical journal. Modern recommendations for newborn skin care: traditions and innovations. URL: https://www.rmj.ru/articles/pediatriya/Sovremennye_rekomendacii_pouhodu_zakoghey_novoroghdennogo_tradicii_iinnovacii_obzor_literatury/
  2. Begema K.S. Shaposhnikova L.I. Alferova N.A. Advances in chemistry and chemical technology. Chemistry of cosmetics. Chemical compounds hazardous to health contained in cosmetics. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/himiya-kosmetiki-opasnye-dlya-zdorovya-himicheskie-soedineniya-soderzhaschiesya-v-kosmeticheskih-sredstvah

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